Researchers: Malware Can Be Hidden in Medical Images

A "flaw" in the file format of the DICOM standard for the communication of medical imaging information could be exploited to hide malware in MRI and CT scans alongside other patient data, according to a new security research report.

The report from researchers at the security firm Cylera Labs says weakness in the DICOM image file format if exploited, enables malware to infect patient data by directly inserting itself into medical imaging files. The report does not indicate that there is any evidence that the flaw has actually been exploited.